Personal Chefs keep Kitchens Safe: Reducing Bacteria in Sponges

The kitchen sponge is one of the most germ-ridden items in the whole kitchen.  Sponges come into contact with tons of different bacteria throughout the day.  From cleaning countertops to washing off cutting boards and knives used to cut raw chicken, if sponges aren’t properly maintained, the germs in them could cause stomach irritation to those at home.

Over 86% of sponges in U.S. homes contain either yeast and mold, coliform bacteria, or Staph bacteria.  Because sponges contact so many different types of bacteria and food residue, bacteria can easily grow and multiply.  Their cracks and crevices make it easy for items to get inside the sponge and get trapped.

So what’s the best way to keep your kitchen sponge bacteria free?  While some recommend soaking it in bleach or lemon juice, the way proven to kill the most bacteria is to microwave your sponge for one minute each day after using.  This alone will kill a significant portion of the potentially hazardous bacteria.  Running the sponge through the dishwasher is another bacteria-killing option.  If you don’t want to go through the hassle, you can use kitchen dish cloths and toss the used ones in the laundry at the end of each day.  Regardless of which method you use, ensure that you’re not leaving wet sponges or clothes on the countertops at night.

While the chances are that your kitchen won’t get you sick, some people are extremely sensitive to those bacteria found in poorly sanitized kitchens.  At Atlanta Personal Chef Service, all of our chefs are professionally trained in kitchen sanitation.  We’ll always keep the kitchen clean, so you’ll never have to worry.  Have a question about keeping your kitchen germ-free?  Feel free to contact us.